We knew we were going to need to be prepared for the challenges of the rugged terrain. So, in Canmore, we enlisted the services of world-famous WildSmart Program Director, Nicolaas Willem Johannes de Ruyter, to guide us on our first two-day double-header of mountain adventures.
Dutch and dreamy...
Of course, our unwieldy crew required more handling than most, so he enlisted a few other local guides for support.
Laurin, Willem(7), and Sophie(8) were more than equipped to assist, especially with the first activity,
Dutch Treats.
Verrukkelijk!
After fuelling up, bear spray in hand, we immediately headed out on our first foray in to the wilderness of Canmore.
(Our first mountain wildlife sighting!)
The final uphill grind prompted a few whimpers, but we made it to Quarry Lake unscathed.
Where, after some swimming and paddle boarding,
Willem instructed us on the appropriate technique for cliff jumping.
Jippie!
WildSmart Director Nick told us we couldn't leave any food around to attract bears,
which clearly necessitated crushing all of the potato chips.
Ciel may have spent a little too long in the frigid waters.
I thought we might need to amputate, but Willem and Sophie had a better idea for getting the blood flowing.
Some warm sweats and few rounds of Sega Sonic Racing did the trick.
The following morning, under Sophie's expert guidance, we explored Banff on foot,
including a few of the local shops.
Schitteren, meiden.
The rest of the group joined in
for the trek up the Bow River
to Bow Falls.
After briefly contemplating another frigid dip,
Taz spied the Fairmont Banff Springs in the distance,
and immediately guided us there for a few refreshments.
Proost!
One final wildlife encounter,
along with some support for the local (road-side) economy,
and we were ready to bid vaarwel to Banff,
our amazing guides,
and Alberta.
(We're definitely not getting any better at this)
We've settled into Base Camp Lodge in Golden.
Time to rest up.
We've got a big day tomorrow.
Oh, het is aan!
3 comments:
Wow busy, active time at Nicky’s. Those kids didn’t stay babies for long. Looks like you had a good visit. Mama
Great visit with the deRuyters. Looking forward to seeing pics of the Golden Olympic Games tomorrow. Betcha I could do all those activities. 💪😉🤓😍
Grampa
WOW!!! Amazing pictures!! I swear you do it up right when you decide to travel. I can hardly wait for the next set of pictures..we will find out who is the thrill seeker and who is not. The deer pictures...you can do that in Gore Bay. Get that close to a buffalo or a bear and i will be impressed!! LOL!! DON"T BOTHER!!
P.S. I think I already know who the adrenaline junkies are.
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